The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) is stepping up its game to handle the expected flood of holiday travelers. Julius Neri Jr., the airport’s general manager and CEO, confirmed on Monday that the facility is on high alert as part of the Department of Transportation’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2025 initiative, designed to safeguard passengers during the festive season. Neri, alongside Arthur Dela Rosa, the manager of the Emergency and Security Services Department, personally checked the newly set up help desks at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to ensure they are ready to assist travelers with any issues or emergencies. Last year, from December 20 to January 5, the airport managed 3,727 domestic flights. This year, the goal is to handle 4,025 domestic flights, a significant increase. International flights are also set to see a dramatic rise, jumping from 383 last year to a projected 1,068 this year. The passenger count is expected to surge by 20 to 30 percent, exceeding both the pre-COVID numbers from 2019 and last year’s totals. In 2019, the airport saw 12.6 million passengers, which dropped to 10 million in 2023. This year, the airport anticipates serving 11.5 million passengers.
